Metrolinx

This webpage highlights the work I did with Metrolinx from 2013 to 2017.

Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario under the Metrolinx Act, 2006, was created to improve the coordination and integration of all modes of transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. It includes three divisions: GO Transit, PRESTO and the UP Express.

For the four years I worked at Metrolinx, I worked in two roles: Community Relations and Issues Specialist for the Georgetown South GO Transit project and the Eglinton Crosstown, and as an Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs for PRESTO.

Community Relations and Issues Specialist (2013-2015)

In my first role at Metrolinx, I focused on community stakeholder relations and outreach, developing and reinforcing relationships with residents and stakeholders in the communities where construction is taking place. I liaised with various groups including residents, construction crews, community associations and local elected officials to educate and inform the community on the importance of transit construction, and to ensure the reputation of each transit project is protected and expectations are managed within the community.

My work included, but was not limited to, organizing public meetings and presentations, issues and project management, developing and editing content and communications pieces for residents and stakeholders, social media and online communications, and corresponding with residents via email, handling phone calls and having in-person meetings, or visiting residents, as needed.

On each project I worked on, I worked out of a community office that residents could visit to ask questions, work through construction issues and be informed on what is happening in the community. Working with a team of colleagues, we would also find innovative ways to inform the community. Please see below a video I participated in providing a construction update for the intersection of Laird and Eglinton as part of the Eglinton Crosstown.

Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs (2015-2017)

In my role as Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs at Metrolinx, I help develop and coordinate PRESTO’s communications activities to increase awareness of the PRESTO fare card. This included leading and developing programs, events, and tailored communications about the deployment of system updates and upgrades, the introduction of a PRESTO Customer Charter, to the rollout of PRESTO on the TTC, and the rollout of a refreshed PRESTO website, for internal and external stakeholders to support a positive customer and client experience.

In addition, I assisted with the development of executive-level communications such as email correspondences to customers and stakeholders, organization-wide staff emails, employee town halls and presentations, and answers to staff questions and enquires as part of a monthly PRESTO “all-hands” call with staff. I also provided senior managers with communications advice and highlighted potential opportunities and risks when planning communications activities and developing materials.